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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Harriet Brewis

Enfield man jailed for knife-point rape of woman in her own bedroom

Sevdalin Atanasov, 32, entered the woman's bedroom after her housemate said he could spend the night at their flat (Picture: Met Police)

A man who raped a woman at knifepoint in her own home has been jailed for 13 years.

Sevdalin Atanasov, 32, crept into his victim’s bedroom at around 3am on October 22, 2019, Scotland Yard said.

The woman, in her 30s, awoke to find Atanasov with his hand over her mouth.

Holding a knife to her throat, he raped her, while threatening to kill her throughout the attack.

The victim managed to flee to a friend’s address where police were called.

One of the victim's flatmates knew Atanasov, of Exeter Road, Enfield, and said he could spend the night at the house.

When questioned by police he initially denied the offence.

However, he entered a guilty plea at Wood Green Crown Court in January after being presented with forensic evidence of the assault.

He was sentenced to 13 years behind bars for rape at the same court on Friday, while one count of making threats to kill will remain on file, Met Police said.

Detective Constable Andrew Poore, who led the investigation said : “The effects of Atanasov’s attack, in what should have been the safety of her bedroom, will undoubtedly remain with the victim forever.

“He took advantage of knowing that she was asleep, alone and vulnerable in her bedroom.

“I hope that knowing he has been jailed brings her a measure of comfort and security and allows her to move forward with her life.

"I commend the bravery, resolve, and support shown by the victim in this life-changing ordeal."

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